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KeyBank donates books to Buffalo nonprofit The Teacher's Desk

by jmaloni

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Mon, Sep 21st 2015 03:45 pm

Copies of pro-literacy and anti-bulling children's book Thank You Mr. Falker to go in 180 school libraries served by The Teacher's Desk

The KeyBank Foundation announced it has donated 180 copies of the anti-bullying-themed children's book "Thank You Mr. Falker" to the nonprofit organization The Teacher's Desk in Buffalo. A copy of the book will be given to every WNY school served by The Teacher's Desk.

The Teacher's Desk is set up like an office supply store and allows teachers from areas schools to shop for free for donated supplies, including pencils, paper, glue and books.

"Bullying directly affects a student's ability to learn," said Gary Quenneville, KeyBank exec. "Students who are bullied find it difficult to concentrate, show a decline in grades and lose self-esteem, self-confidence and self-worth. With this donation of books, we are doing our part to help a worthy nonprofit and, at the same time, hopefully help educate students about the effects of bullying and how to stop it."

"Outside the home, teachers play a most critical role in training up a child," said John Mika, director of The Teacher's Desk. "As this book is read to students throughout Buffalo, we hope that teachers find both courage and encouragement as they continue on the road to make a difference in the lives of the precious students under their care. We thank KeyBank for their support in helping The Teacher's Desk with literacy initiatives for the 100,000 students in need we serve."

"Thank You Mr. Falker" was written by Patricia Polacco, a dyslexic girl who was excited to learn to read, but had a hard time and was bullied in school until she got to fifth grade, where her teacher, Mr. Falker, helped her and turned her life around.

Certified full-time teachers having onsite classroom/office space within the schools where at least 70 percent of the students participate in the federal Free or Reduced School Lunch Program are welcome to shop free at The Teacher's Desk. Participating teachers receive on average $1,000 in free supplies for their classroom.

An event was held Sept. 15 at The Teacher's Desk, where the books were presented. Several local school librarians were on hand to mark the occasion.

About KeyBank Foundation

The KeyBank Foundation, a 46-year-old nonprofit charitable foundation funded by KeyCorp, makes philanthropic investments in organizations and programs that build thriving communities.

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